ME AND MY TENNIS: AINSLEY HARRIOTT

Cookery legend and TV presenter, Ainsley Harriott, is perhaps best known for his much-loved BBC cooking shows Ready Steady Cook and Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook. But it’s the tennis court where Ainsley enjoys getting away from the heat of the kitchen. Interview April Tod

How old were you when you first picked up a tennis racket?

Probably about 5-6 years old it was a Dunlop Maxply passed down from my older brother who was a keen player and got to play at several junior tournaments. I remember being very excited going everyday to watch him compete at Beckenham.

Who would be your ideal tennis partner?

What’s been your most memorable tennis match?

Has to be my first final at Wimbledon 1972 Stan Smith v Ilie Nastase in those days we were in the standing area it was a Sunday and the atmosphere was unbelievable. We were all gunning for Nastase but Smith won 7.5 in the fifth set. We were all a bit down but later Nastase returned with the Rosie Casals to win the mixed doubles title

What’s the strongest part of your game?

Probably my serve it’s taken years to develop and when working gets me some quick easy points which is always a confidence booster.

What’s your favourite tennis club in the UK?

That’s easy Queens of course. It’s such a well run club, the members are so friendly and the staff do a really good job.

Where’s your favourite tennis resort in the world?

Don’t really have a favourite but when on holiday I always try and find a court to play. If push came to shove I’d choose Barbados

What’s your favourite post match?

After all that exercise a lovely Burger with fries and a pint.

What’s the best piece of tennis advice you’ve been given?

When tossing the ball for serving keep your arm extended for as long as possible before striking the ball. A great tip from pro tennis player Peter Fleming.

What racket are you playing with these days?

I love my Wilson pro 100

Who has been your favourite tennis players and have you played with any of them? 

We all have favourite players from different generations. As a young boy I looked up to many of the male tennis players and loved watching Rod laver in his latter years but still hitting the lines time and time again. Pancho Gonzales such beautiful grace and a backhand to die for.
 
Then later came the artist nasty Nastase, Arthur Ashe and that Head racket ! we all wanted one when he won Wimbledon.
 
Borg personified calm and it was the first time I’d seen such a sweet double handed backhand, McEnroe the lovable superbrat who threw text book tennis out the widow with wonderful improvisation.

As a young man Boris Becker the diving German got you out of your seat on the way to many tournament victories
 
And more recently the beautiful Roger Federer, such class. But once again watching Murray in his prime was pure joy it’s just that he was one of ours